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May232016

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today delivered a speech at the Latin Builders Association Construction & Business Management Academy Charter High School (LBA Academy) graduation ceremony in Miami, Florida. Following the speech, Rubio commented on the importance of programs like LBA Academy in America.

“We need more of this in America,” said Rubio. “More work-ready training in the high school level so kids graduate ready to work. These LBA graduates are ready to work in the construction industry and the development industry right now. Many are going to go on to college and add to their knowledge, but many of them are ready to work and many of them already are working with members of the LBA.

“Many have faced tremendous difficulties to get to this point. Some are actually living in a foster care system and are about to age out. Others, their parents couldn’t be here today because they had to work, so they couldn’t take time off to come,” Rubio continued. “So what they were able to achieve here today is inspiring and uplifting, and I think an example of what we need to be doing more of in America.”

Located in Hialeah, LBA Academy is the first business charter school in the country to have been launched by an industry association. LBA Academy offers small classes, a family environment and up-to-date technology. In addition to being immersed in a comprehensive business curriculum, students attend the LBA’s monthly luncheons and meetings, where they meet local business leaders and government officials, with many offering mentorships and internships.

Rubio, a former LBA director, has been a supporter of the Academy and has promoted charter schools since serving in the Florida House of Representatives. The LBA Academy had a 100 percent graduation rate, with 38 students receiving their diploma today.